From the calm and still waters of Phobane Lake and the lagoons of the uMlalazi and Amatikulu rivers to the pounding and invigorating surf of the Indian Ocean, there is an abundance of watersport opportunities to suit everyone. Zululand is a fisherman’s paradise and anglers have a variety of places to choose from both saltwater and freshwater.
General Fishing Information
Fishing is strictly regulated and recreational anglers require valid fishing licences at all times these permits can be purchased from any post office. The onus is on the individual to ensure that they abide by the law and fishermen are urged to familiarise themselves with the regulations governing all fishing in South Africa. Anglers are reminded to please ensure that all documentation for skippers licenses, launch permits and fishing permits are available at all times.
Mtunzini Ski Boat Club: 035 340 1006 An annual ‘Couta Classic’ is held in Autumn.
Lagoon Fishing
Ski Boats may be launched from the Umlalazi lagoon at Mtunzini but no motorized boats are permitted in the Amatikulu estuary. Fishing from the banks of the lagoon, however, can be just as fruitful with sizable Grunter, Salmon, Rock Salmon/River Snapper, Stumpnose, Rock Cod, Shad, Pick Handle Barracuda and Sandfish/Gurnard being caught. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff are responsible for enforcing fishing regulations and rangers regularly inspect one’s fishing licenses and all catches to ensure that certain species are not kept and minimum sizes are adhered to.
Bait can be purchased from various outlets such as Spar, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offices and FishingMtunzini in Mtunzini.
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea anglers can launch their ski boats at an official Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife launching site in the Umlalazi Nature Reserve which provides access to the ocean through the mouth of the Umlalazi river. Boats can also be launched off the beach at Mtunzini and Amatikulu. Skippers are advised that boats launched at Mtunzini lagoon for access through the mouth should make enquiries with the Mtunzini Ski Boat Club regarding a launching permit. Both Ski Boat Clubs host competitions throughout the year.
There is an annual Couta Classic fishing competition held in Mtunzini. Summer months are good for large Dorado, Kingfish, Queen Fish, Bonnito, Barracuda, Yellowfin Tuna and a variety of species of reef fish like Rockcod, Mof Grunter, Lantern Fish, Snapper and other types.
Anglers are reminded to please ensure that all documentation for skippers licenses, launch permits and fishing permits are available at all times.
Mtunzini Ski Boat Club: 035 340 1006 An annual ‘Couta Classic’ is held in Autumn.
Fresh Water Fishing
The main venues for freshwater fishing are inland in the Eshowe area. These include Rutledge Park Dam and Eshlazi Dam which are now maintained by King Cetshwayo District Municipality and Phobane Lake in the Nkwaleni Valley between Eshowe and Melmoth. Phobane Lake was constructed on the uMhlatuze River by the Department of Water Affairs more than 25 years ago to provide an assured water supply to the developing port and industrial complex at Richards Bay.
It is about 14 kms in length and has a massive capacity of 300 million cubic metres. Situated off the R66 and approximately 30 minutes from Eshowe, boasts large numbers of Largemouth Bass, Barbel and Tilapia.
Tattenham Resort also boasts a dam with Largemouth Bass, Barbel and Tilapia. Tattenham Resort is situated on the R102 outside Gingindlovu. Tattenham is great for a day trip and also has accommodation facilities available for longer stays.
Contact Roline 073 141 4891 for further information.